In a major operational success, the Edo State Police Command has taken at least 65 suspected kidnappers into custody following a coordinated strike.
The crackdown took place during the early hours of March 2, 2026, around 2:45 am. Officers focused their efforts on properties in Zango and Max Square located in Aviele, within the Etsako West Local Government Area.
ASP Eno Ikoedem, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, shared the details in a Friday briefing in Benin City.
She noted that the arrests were carried out by tactical teams from the State Headquarters, working alongside operatives from the Auchi and Ekpoma Area Commands.
Ikoedem explained that the raid was fueled by solid intelligence placing the suspects at the Aviele properties. Technical tracking also linked ransom negotiations to that specific location, prompting the teams to move in and secure the area.
During the sweep, officers recovered ₦1.8 million in cash, believed to be ransom money, along with Nigerian Army uniforms, kits, and other incriminating materials.
While the operation was carried out without any casualties, all suspects and recovered items have been transferred to the State Headquarters in Benin City for further action.
The Command’s spokesperson added that the suspects are currently being interrogated to determine their specific roles within the kidnapping syndicates.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, praised his team for their professional conduct during the mission.
He doubled down on the Command’s promise to break up kidnapping rings across the state and urged the public to keep providing useful information to aid their efforts.
